Pros

Small footprint; electric drivetrain; efficient usage of space; good driving dynamics; full of cutting-edge technology

Model Highlights

The BMW i3 is BMW's first modern electric car. Powering all models is a 170 hp electric motor connected to the rear wheels via a single speed transmission. While no one will ever confuse the i3 with a sports car, 170 hp is enough to give the i3 brisk acceleration, especially when its 184 foot pounds of torque are accounted for. BMW claims 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Rear wheel drive prevents all that torque from causing unwanted torque steer, while also ensuring that the i3 lives up to BMW's high standards for vehicle dynamics and handling. The i3 may be a departure from the BMW norm, but it is still a BMW and drives accordingly.

BMW claims that the i3 has a range of about 80-100 miles in normal everyday driving, which should be plenty for most people's daily commute. The car's charging times are remarkably short--BMW claims a scant 30 minutes are needed to charge the car up to 80 percent capacity through a modern fast-charging system. Even at home, on a conventional 220v charger, the i3 should only take about three hours to get from empty to a full charge. For those who desire a bit more range, BMW offers a range extender, a small 2-cylinder gasoline engine that functions as a generator. With the range extender equipped, the i3 has a range of about 180 miles.

The cabin as accessed through a combination of traditional front doors and rear-hinged rear doors. Inside, the i3 uses a wide ranging set of materials available in one of several different color combinations with trim packages named things like "Loft" "Lodge" and "Suite." All of it looks relatively expensive and many of the materials are renewable, made from hemp, kinaff and other unconventional plant fibers. Of course there are plenty of more traditional materials available as well, should that be the driver's preference.

Standard equipment on the i3 is plentiful, with notable items including BMW's iDrive system, an integrated SIM card, Bluetooth and USB connectivity as well as rear mounted parking sensors and a stationary climate control system. Options include a navigation system that is smart enough to interact with the car and suggest alternate routes based on battery charge, adaptive LED headlights, a glass roof, automatic climate control, heated seats, a rearview camera and several driver assistance functions.

Model News

The BMW i3 is a brand-new car from BMW that goes on sale in North America later this year. BMW's bold concept car has made it to production with relatively few changes to its design, and the final product definitely has a look inspired by science fiction.

Value Writeup

The BMW i3 is part of the new wave of electric and hybrid cars that are becoming more and more popular in the U.S. The i3 has relatively compact external dimensions, but still has a very usable cabin with surprising amounts of interior space. Standard equipment levels are high and the i3 generally aims to compete in the compact premium segment, offering buyers plenty of luxury features in a car that is perhaps a little smaller than the traditional luxury cars of old.

Of course, the electric drivetrain is what really separates the i3 from its competitors. In standard guise, it offers a combination of usable range and remarkably fast charging times. With the optional range extender, the system offers functionality similar to other hybrid cars on the market such as the Volt or the Prius. Unlike those vehicles however, the i3 uses its range extending gasoline engine exclusively as a generator and the drive wheels remain powered only by electricity. The i3 starts at under $42,000, while versions equipped with a range extender start at around $45,000.

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling a certain model year BMW i3 vehicle manufactured March 31, 2014, and certain 2014 MINI Cooper Hardtop vehicles manufactured February 2, 2014 to May 30, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with an air bag inflator that was not assembled correctly. This could cause the air bag to not deploy properly in the event of an accident.

Consequence

If the air bag deploys improperly in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the air bags, the seat occupant may be at an increased risk of injury.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Dates of Manufacture

MAR 30, 2014 to MAR 30, 2014

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID

15V628000

Mfg's Report Date

OCT 06, 2015

Component

AIR BAGS:PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL

Potential Number of Units Affected

6073

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper two-door vehicles, 2015-2016 MINI John Cooper Works and MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper four-door vehicles and 2014-2015 BMW i3 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the passenger frontal air bag may not deploy properly in a low speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

In the event of a vehicle crash, an air bag that does not deploy properly increases the risk of injury to the front seat passenger.

MINI and BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525 and BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Dates of Manufacture

MAR 16, 2014 to AUG 16, 2015

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID

17V088000

Mfg's Report Date

FEB 08, 2017

Component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Potential Number of Units Affected

19130

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.

Consequence

A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganApril 3, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Dates of Manufacture

MAR 04, 2014 to DEC 29, 2016

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID

17V720000

Mfg's Report Date

NOV 15, 2017

Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Potential Number of Units Affected

32000

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-3361.

Est. Payment *

Vehicle Price: 42,300.00

*Estimated payments are for informational purposes only and don't account for acquisition fees, destination charges, tax, title, and other fees and incentives or represent a financing offer or guarantee of credit from the seller.